Argentina benefits from its rich and stunning natural resources, the population is highly literate and the capital is elegant with a European-flavored sophistication and passionate culture. Argentina's agricultural sector is export-oriented and has a diversified industrial base. Argentina is the second-largest country in South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean between Chile and Uruguay.

Area: 2.77 million sq km

Population: 37.81 million

Capital: Buenos Aires

People: 85% European descent, 15% mestizo, Indian and other minorities

Language: Spanish; Castilian, Quechua, Guarani, Araucanian, Italian

Religion: 93% Roman Catholic, 2.5% Protestant, 2% Jewish, 1.5% Ukranian Catholic, 1% Armenian Orthodox

Government: Republic

GDP: US$391 billion

Major Industries: Food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel and agribusiness.

Major Trading Partners: Brazil, USA, and the European Union